Three Slightly Complicated But Totally Doable Halloween Costume Ideas

If you’ve recently been on the Internet, turned on the TV, or stepped outside for more than, say, five seconds, you’re probably aware that it’s almost Halloween. And costumes are a big deal. (C'mon! They totally are!) But if you haven’t been prepping for the last two weeks to build your cardboard-and-papier-machè Sharknado costume, fear not. Here, three equally pop-culture-relevant ideas that don’t require a trip to the craft store.

Mist damp hair with a volumizer (we like Tigi Bed Head Superstar Queen for a Day Thickening Spray), then blow-dry. Wrap one-inch sections around a one-inch clipless barrel curling iron, leaving the ends out, then release and gently tug the strands from the bottom. “It loosens it into that S-wave, as opposed to a corkscrew,” says hairstylist Bridget Brager. “Do that all the way around the head, then take a cream or serum, emulsify it in your hands, and run your fingers through your hair to get some separation." Complete the look with a dramatic cat eye, nude lip gloss, a set of false eyelashes if you’re feeling adventurous, and some Sasha Fierce attitude. Fan? Pshaw, what fan?

MANDATORY ACCESSORIES: sparkly top, microphone, fan

AlienSpring Breakers may not exactly be a front-runner for awards season, but in the world of Halloween costumes, James Franco’s character is a winner.

Unless you have the time and pain threshold to get professional cornrows, try Brager’s at-home technique: Starting by your ear at the hairline, take a section of hair about one inch wide. Grab a small piece in the front of that section and twist it tightly, adding more hair as you go and working a pomade like Blind Barber 90 Proof Strong Hold Pomade into it for hold. Once you’ve reached the back of the head, secure the twist with bobby pins, leaving the remaining hair loose. Continue around your head toward the other ear until all your hair is twisted and pinned. Then, secure the loose ends into small braids and finish with a strong-hold hair spray. Your “cornrows” aren’t going anywhere.

“Most girls don’t have that much hair,” says Brager, “so there are these really great, inexpensive ponytails you can buy. It’s fake hair, but it’s superthick and long.” Before attaching the piece, Brager recommends prepping your natural, damp hair with a smoothing cream like Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry, blow drying, then brushing it up into a tight, high bun. Secure the extension on the bun and tie a gold scrunchie around the base. Split the ponytail into two pieces, twist them around each other to the end, and fasten with a small elastic. Paint your lips an intense red color (like Dolce & Gabbana The Lipstick In Iconic) and keep the rest of your makeup simple with just a swipe of black mascara. Hit repeat on your iPod, and you’ve got a costume with a built-in soundtrack.